'Happyness,' 'Break-Up' Directors Take Pilots

Gabriele Muccino and Peyton Reed directed two of 2006's most profitable movies, but their attentions have now turned to TV pilots.

The high profile directors, announced today in the industry trade papers, are part of a growing trend of TV networks wooing feature veterans for their top shelf pilots.

Muccino, fresh off helming Will Smith to an Oscar nomination and $150-million-plus in domestic box office, has been recruited to direct CBS' "Viva Laughlin," the network's musical transplanting of the BBC hit "Viva Blackpool!" The series will be executive produced by Hugh Jackman, who will appear in a recurring role.

CBS has also landed Todd Holland to direct the pilot for "Fugly," from "My Name Is Earl" creator Greg Garcia. Holland has won Emmys for directing episodes of "The Larry Sanders Show" and "Malcolm in the Middle."

Reed, who has scored big box office with "Bring It On" and "The Break-Up," will tackle "Cashmere Mafia" for ABC. The Darren Star-produced dramedy focuses on a quartet of successful female executives.

Over at FOX, "My Best Friend's Wedding" director P.J. Hogan will handle the pilot for "Philadelphia General," a medical drama about the lives and loves of a group of nurses.

Two familiar FOX faces are also staying in the fold for network pilots. Jon Cassar, an Emmy winner for "24" will direct "NSA Innocent" from "24" co-creator Bob Cochran. Ian Toynton, a veteran of multiple episodes of "24" and "The O.C." will direct the legal romantic comedy "Supreme Courtships."